While I was supposed to be putting the final touches on a presentation on Sunday, procrastination on Twitter led me to the trending topic “Kamervragen PVV.” The PVV is the Dutch Party for Freedom, which is headed by Geert Wilders. This man and this party, to me, represent everything that is wrong with my country (well, perhaps not everything, but quite a lot). I’m generally of the opinion that engaging them in any way legitimates them, which is the last thing I want to do, but today I just can’t keep quiet.

“Kamervragen” (chamber questions) are instruments with which Parliament can keep tabs on the government and developments in society. Any member of Parliament can ask ministers or the prime minister questions about anything at any time, and these questions need to be answered within a 3-week period. When the PVV asks questions, you can be quite sure they’re absolutely ridiculous. Today’s questions did not disappoint. Read More What Happens When a Queen’s Respect for a Culture Upsets Politicians

This week’s crapdate, it looks like, is one of those gifts that keeps on giving. It comes from a blog post from 2009, and there is so much to tackle in it that it’s going to have to come in parts. Otherwise, you’ll suffer from rage fatigue, which is a constant threat for many of us, and I just can’t push you over the edge in good conscience. Read More Takedown: I’m Tired

I’m a big, giant fan of communication. However, many today have seemingly confused “dialogue” with “utter contempt for decorum or manners.” In light of this, today I’m going to go over the top five things you need not ask a Muslim. Read More (Don’t) Ask A Muslim

When people talk about Osama bin Laden, they always do so in relation to his impact on America. He was the nation’s bogeyman, and for good reason. However it might surprise many to learn his plotting and financing has killed far more in the Arab and Muslim world than in the West, and purposefully so. Read More What Osama’s Death Means to the Muslim World